What happens to property taxes not collected due to a homestead exemption in South Dakota?

In South Dakota, when a homestead exemption is applied, it reduces the assessed value of a qualifying property, thereby lowering the property taxes owed. However, this does not eliminate the tax obligation entirely. The amount that is exempted from property taxes does not simply disappear; rather, it is important to understand that the uncollected property taxes due to this exemption remain as a lien on the property. This means that if the property were to be sold or if the owner were to default, the lien ensures that the government can still collect the due taxes.

This mechanism helps maintain the integrity of local tax revenues while providing needed relief to eligible homeowners. Instead of being forgiven, these taxes remain a part of the property’s financial responsibility, demonstrating the importance of the lien structure in property tax legislation in South Dakota. This ensures that even when exemptions are applied, there is a framework in place that secures the interests of the taxing authority.